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Remembering

Today, on Armistice Day, it seems appropriate to talk about remembering loved ones. As Laura Caudery’s #ShareTheHonestLove campaign proves, wedding days are about love and human emotion. That’s what makes them beautiful.
It is however, one of the most heart-breaking things about weddings that sometimes, not everyone we would want to share our day with can be there with us. But they can still be honoured and included and today, I’m going to dedicate this post to talk about some of my favourite ways that we can remember…Firstly, photographs can be included in your wedding day in so many beautiful ways. A collection of beloved images can be used to create a commemorative display – imagine framed photos on a prettily styled table or, as in the image here, hanging in a tree. I also love seeing photos of grandparents on their wedding days on show at weddings because there’s something so special about connecting with family weddings from years gone by. For a more subtle touch, a small image in a tiny frame attached to your bouquet (or worn as part of your groom’s buttonhole) is another lovely way to remember.

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There are also lots of ways that a tribute can be included in your wedding day outfit. A piece of fabric can easily be incorporated into your gown, names or initials can be embroidered into your dress’s lining and I’ve also seen family necklaces being turned into sashes and belts. If you’ve only got a tiny piece of lace or silk, it could feature in a locket or pendant or even as a wrap for your bouquet. Of course you can also wear your favourite piece of heirloom jewellery, either as the original piece or as a commissioned design. Brooches, for example, can be incorporated into headpieces and you are in turn creating your own treasures for future generations.

Words can be a truly evocative tribute and there are so many points during your wedding when they can be included. Favourite poems or passages make excellent readings for your ceremony or they could simply be added as a few lines on an Order of Service. If it feels right for you, don’t shy away of mentioning loved ones in your speeches either – you’ll have the support of everyone around you if you do.

Heirloom-Lace-Necklace

If words will evoke memories, so might music. You could to dance your first dance to a special song or walk up the aisle to a piece of music that means a lot. There’s also no need to let everyone know why you’ve chosen certainly tracks if you don’t want to because as long it means something to you, that’s all that matters.

A more tangible tribute can come in the form of charitable favours or donations. Lots of charities offer wedding favours as part of their merchandise ranges or you could simply ask for donations in lieu of gifts. The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Oxfam, Macmillan and many others have wedding ranges and, whilst we’re on the subject of favours, how about using a family recipe to create gifts for your guests with meaning? Jams or chutneys would be perfect and you could even pass this special recipe on to your guests.

Whoever and however you remember on your wedding day, know that when your day is over, you’ll always have your memories.